Plenty of homes have a fireplace that hasn't been lit in years. The chimney's blocked, the flue is sealed, or it's simply never been safe to use. The firebox sits dark and empty, a black hole in the middle of the living room.
Candles fix that. A cluster of pillar candles in the firebox makes it glow as if it were lit, and it's especially good in October, when a dark mantel above it can go properly moody for Halloween.
Clean it first
Sweep out the firebox and wipe down the brick or tile with a damp cloth. If there's old soot, a stiff brush and a mix of water and dish soap will lift most of it. You want the candlelight to bounce off clean surfaces.
Candle choices
Group pillar candles in odd numbers and different heights: 3 by 4, 3 by 6 and 3 by 9 inches. Five to seven candles fill most fireboxes. Ivory looks classic. For Halloween, mix in a couple of black pillars.
Stand them on a metal tray or the fireplace grate so the wax doesn't drip into the brick.
Real or battery?
Real candles are fine in an open firebox as long as the flue is closed or sealed, the area in front is clear, and you never leave them burning unattended. They look better than battery ones, with a real flicker.
If there's a rug close by, pets or small children, or you want them glowing all evening without watching, use good-quality battery pillars with real wax exteriors and a flickering wick.
Logs as a backdrop
A stack of birch logs behind the candles fills the back of the firebox and makes it look more like a real fire. Birch bark catches the light nicely. Keep the logs well behind the flames.
Branches above
On the mantel, pile dried branches for Halloween: bare twigs, curly willow, or black-painted branches laid along the shelf and spilling off one end. Their shadows on the wall at night are the best part.
An old mirror
Lean a large old mirror on the mantel, ideally one with a foxed, speckled surface. It reflects the candlelight below and adds a slightly eerie, haunted house feel. Place the branches in front of the mirror's bottom edge so they overlap it.
For Halloween
Add a few objects on the mantel: a stack of old books, a black candlestick, a small bell jar with a dried moth or seed head. Keep the color palette black, ivory and brass.
After Halloween, swap the black candles for ivory and add a few pumpkins to the hearth. The setup works all winter.
Safety
- Keep the flue closed so drafts don't pull the flames.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- Keep flammable decor, like dried branches, well away from the firebox opening.
- Use a fire screen if you have pets.
Choosing candles by firebox size
Measure the firebox opening before you buy. A small firebox, around 24 inches wide, looks full with five pillars of 3 inch diameter. A larger 36 inch opening needs seven to nine, or a mix of 3 and 4 inch diameters. Leave a little space between candles so the flames don't heat each other and burn unevenly.
When the fireplace works
If your fireplace does work, don't mix candles and fire. Use the candles in the firebox on nights when you're not burning wood, and take them out entirely before you light a fire. Wax melts fast in a hot firebox, and a pool of wax in the grate is a fire hazard.
Mistakes to avoid
- Candles of the same height. Mix at least three heights.
- A dirty firebox. Soot absorbs the light.
- Branches hanging into the firebox. Keep them on the mantel.
- Cheap battery candles. A bright white static light looks fake.
What it costs
Pillar candles cost $5 to $20 each, so a firebox of seven runs $40 to $100. A bundle of birch logs is about $20. Dried branches are free. An old mirror can be found at thrift stores for $20 to $60.
Candles in fireplace FAQ
Is it safe to put candles in a fireplace?
Yes, if the flue is closed, the area in front is clear and you don't leave them burning unattended. Battery candles are safest.
How many candles do I need in a fireplace?
Five to seven pillars of different heights fill most fireboxes.
How do I decorate a non-working fireplace?
Fill the firebox with candles or birch logs, style the mantel above, and use the hearth for larger seasonal pieces.
